Flu jab 'can save lives of diabetics'

THE winter flu jab can dramatically slash the risk of diabetics dying, research has revealed.

The seasonal flu jab can cut the risk of Type2 diabetes-related deaths [GETTY]

Scientists from Imperial College London found that death rates among people with Type 2 diabetes were cut by 28 per cent in those who are given the seasonal vaccine.

The study found that flu can disrupt diabetes control and cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate.

This can leave sufferers at risk of serious health problems including pneumonia and bronchitis.

Simon O’Neill, director of health intelligence at Diabetes UK, said: “This study is further evidence of the importance of being vaccinated if you have diabetes because having the flu can be much more serious for people with the condition than it is for the rest of the population.

“This means people with diabetes, should ask their GP for their free vaccination each year.”